Rotatable connector modules with inverted jacks
A telecommunications patch panel includes a frame defining at least one opening configured to receive a connector module; and at least one connector module rotatably mounted in the at least one opening of the frame. Each connector module defines an axis of rotation generally parallel to the front face. Each connector module includes at least a first and second linear array of openings configured to receive jacks modules. Each of the openings in the first linear array is configured to receive a jack module having a first orientation, and each of the openings in the second linear array is configured to receive a jack module having a second orientation. The second orientation is rotated about 180° from the first orientation along an axis of insertion of the jack module.
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The present invention relates to a telecommunications connection panel. More particularly, the present invention relates to a telecommunications cross-connection patch panel having rotatably mounted connector modules.
BACKGROUNDLocal Area Networks and telecommunications connections often use patch panels, especially at the customer's premises to enable cross-connection between telecommunications equipment. Patch panels typically include front and rear connection locations. The rear connections are typically a more permanent type of connection, such as between an insulation displacement connector, and the copper based, twisted pair telecommunications cable. The front of the patch panel may include any of a variety of jacks, which allows fairly rapid connection and disconnection between two jacks in the same patch panel, or between one jack in the patch panel and another jack in a nearby patch panel, with a patch cord. One type of jack and plug arrangement for a patch panel is an RJ45 type connector. U.S. Pat. No. 5,639,261 concerns a cross-connect panel including rear insulation displacement connectors, and front connector jacks for receiving plugs of patch cords.
There is an increasing need for mitigation of alien cross-talk between connection locations. Therefore, there is a need for patch panels which address the cross-talk concerns noted above.
SUMMARYOne aspect of the present disclosure relates to a telecommunications patch panel including a frame defining at least one opening configured to receive a connector module; and at least one connector module rotatably mounted in the at least one opening of the frame. Each connector module defines an axis of rotation generally parallel to a front face of the connector. Each connector module includes at least a first and second linear array of openings configured to receive jacks modules. Each of the openings in the first linear array is configured to receive a jack module having a first orientation, and each of the openings in the second linear array is configured to receive a jack module having a second orientation. The second orientation is rotated about 180° from the first orientation along an axis of insertion of the jack module.
A variety of examples of desirable product features or methods are set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or can be learned by practicing various aspects of the disclosure. The aspects of the disclosure can relate to individual features as well as combinations of features. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory only, and are not restrictive of the claimed invention.
Reference will now be made in detail to various features of the present disclosure that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The present disclosure relates to telecommunications patch panels, and more particularly relates to patch panel assemblies that include connector modules that are pivotally connected to a frame of the assembly. The connector modules include jack ports on one side and wire termination locations on an opposite side. Each connector module is mounted so as to be pivotable relative to the frame. Each module includes a jack geometry that facilitates access to the jacks and reduces cross-talk amongst the jacks.
Referring now to
The frame 110 generally includes a front side 102, a rear side 104, a top portion 112, and an opposing bottom portion 114. One or more connector modules 200 can be mounted to the frame 110 between the top and bottom portions 112, 114. Locks 140 also can extend between the top portion 112 and the bottom portion 114. In certain embodiments, the end brackets 120, locks 140, and the top and bottom portions 112, 114 define a linear array of openings 115 (
Referring to
In certain embodiments, each connector module 200 can be rotated to one of three positions. In the first position, a front face 202 of the connector module 200 extends parallel to the front side 102 of the frame 110 (e.g., see
In some embodiments, each of the connector modules 200 can be rotated in a different direction with respect to the others. For example, as shown in
In a preferred embodiment, the angle of displacement θ of each connector module 200 relative to frame 110 is about ten degrees (10°) to about twenty-five degrees (25°), and more preferably about fifteen degrees (15°). Such an angle can provide strain relief so as to help prevent cable damage and/or loss of cable performance. The cable positioning provided by angling connector modules 200 helps reduce the likelihood of falling below the minimum bend radius of the cable as each cable travels to other jacks or other equipment. Such strain relief is advantageous over a perpendicular mounting of the connector plug relative to the cable pathway.
To enable rotational mounting, the top and bottom portions 112, 114 of the frame 110 include holes 117 which align with holes 215 defined in the top and bottom sides of each connector module 200 (e.g., see
A lock 140, shown generally in
The lock 140 is a preferred feature for patch panel 100. However, a patch panel 100 where the lock 140 remains disengaged and a patch panel 100 where no lock is present are both advantageous arrangements. In those instances, each connector module 200 is positionable to the left (fully or partially), to the right (fully or partially) or parallel as desired. For such connector modules 200 which are freely rotatable, the modules 200 may move to a new position from an original position to provide the strain relief, as patch cords are added or changed.
Referring to
Each tab 164, 166 includes two ends extending in opposite directions. When brackets 176 are mounted to the frame 110, locking pins 160 can be rotated between an unlocked position and a locked position. In the locked position, the tabs extend outwardly from the lock 140 to engage with the adjacent connector module 200. To place the locking pins 160 in the unlocked position, the shaft 162 is rotated ninety degrees (90°) about its longitudinal axis. For example, a flathead screwdriver can be inserted into the tool engageable end 168 of the shaft 162 and twisted to rotate the shaft 162.
As best seen in
For example, when the connector module 200 is locked in a first position parallel with the front 102 of the frame 110, the first tab 164 of each adjacent lock 140 is received in the forward detent 212 and the second tab 166 of each adjacent lock 140 is received in the rearward detent 214. When the connector modules 200 are rotated so that the front sides 202 are not parallel with the front side 102 of the frame 110, however, only one of the tabs 164, 166 of each adjacent lock 140 is received in one of the detents 212, 214.
Each connector module 200 also includes outwardly facing stops 216, 218 (
Referring now to
Typically, the individual jack modules 300 are spaced apart from each other. In some module arrangements, the jack modules 300 of the first row 222 are offset laterally from the connector jack modules 300 of the second row 224 (i.e., the jack modules 300 in upper and lower rows are not aligned vertically) as shown in
The connector module 200 can also includes indicia members that identify the connector module 200 or the arrangement of the jack modules 300 to a user. For example, the connector modules 200 can include a mounting tab 262 coupled to the front 202 of the connector housing 210. The mounting tab 262 can include protrusions 263 which can be inserted into recesses 261 in the connector housing 210 (
The front 202 of the connector housing 210 also can include recessed areas 266 interspaced between the jack modules 300. The recessed areas 266 are configured to receive removable covers (not shown). For example, the covers can be snap-fit, or otherwise affixed to the connector housing 210 over the recessed areas 266. The covers can include a clear material that provides viewing through the covers. Designation labeling can be mounted behind the covers.
Referring now to
The right side member 232, left side member 234, top member 236, and bottom member 238 extend rearwardly from the faceplate 220 to form the housing 210. In some embodiments, the top and bottom members 236, 238 each include sections 237, 239, respectively, that extend further rearwardly than the remainder of the members 236, 238. Typically, sections 237 and 239 each extend rearwardly to cover a gap between a jack module 300 and one of the sides 232, 234 (e.g., see
The top member 236 and the bottom member 238 define alignment slots 242 into which protrusions 336 (
Support flanges 246 and 248 also extend rearwardly from the faceplate 220 to provide additional support for mounting each of the jack modules 300 (
Referring now to
Generally, the front port 328 encloses contact springs CS1-CS8 (
Contact springs CS1-CS8 (
One or more insulation displacement connector blades IDC1-IDC8 are terminated to a back side 340 of the circuit board 332. The insulation displacement connector blades IDC1-IDC8 fit within the towers 330 of the rear piece 326 of the housing 322. The circuit board 332 has tracks (e.g., tracings) that respectively electrically connect the contact springs CS1-CS8 to the insulation displacement connector blades IDC1-IDC8.
In general, the jack modules 300 can be secured to the connector housing 210. For example, each jack module 300 can include a resilient latch tab 334 (see
In alternative arrangements, the jack modules 300 can be secured to the connector housing 210 with other connection means such as fasteners and adhesives. Preferably, the jack modules 300 are connected to the connector housing 210 with a releasable connection. Further details regarding the jack module 300 can be found in U.S. application Ser. No. 11/472816, filed Jun. 22, 2006, and titled “TELECOMMUNICATIONS PATCH,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
Referring to
In certain embodiments, jack modules 300 are received in the first row 222 of openings 225 in a first orientation and additional jack modules 300 are received in the second row 224 of openings 225 in a second orientation. For example, as shown, the jack modules 300 in the second row 224 can be rotated 180° about their respective insertion axes AI (
For example, as shown in
A second jack module 300b, however, has a second orientation rotated about 180° from the first orientation of the first jack module 300a. The second jack module 300b includes protrusions 336b (
In use, wires can be electrically connected to RJ plugs inserted in the front ports 328 of the jack modules 300 by inserting the wires between pairs of the insulation displacement connector blades IDC1-IDC8 at the rear of the jack modules 300. When the wires are inserted between pairs of the insulation displacement connector blades IDC1-IDC8, the blades cut through the insulation of the wires and make electrical contact with the center conductors of the wires. In this way, the insulation displacement connector blades IDC1-IDC8, which are electrically connected to the contact springs CS1-CS8 by the tracks on the circuit board, provide an efficient means for electrically connecting a twisted pair of wires to the contact springs CS1-CS8 of the jack modules 300.
The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of the composition of the invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.
Claims
1. A telecommunications patch panel comprising:
- a frame having a top portion, a bottom portion, a front side, and a rear side, the frame defining at least one opening configured to receive a connector module; and
- at least one connector module rotatably mounted in the at least one opening of the frame, each connector module having a front face extending between a top end, a bottom end, a first side, and a second side, each connector module defining an axis of rotation extending between the top and bottom portions of the frame and generally parallel to the front face of the connector module, the front face of each connector module including at least a first and a second linear array of openings configured to receive jacks modules, each of the openings in the first linear array being configured to receive a jack module having a first orientation, and each of the openings in the second linear array being configured to receive a jack module having a second orientation, wherein the second orientation is rotated about 180° from the first orientation along an axis of insertion of the jack module,
- wherein the connector module includes a first row of spaced support flanges and a second row of spaced support flanges, the spaced support flanges of the first and second rows being arranged between the first and second linear array of openings and extending from the front face of the connector module toward the rear side of the frame, each support flange defining a latching tab configured to receive a latch of one of the jack modules received in one of the openings of the first and second linear arrays.
2. The telecommunications patch panel of claim 1, further comprising at least one jack module mounted to the at least one connector module, the at least one jack module including a front piece electrically coupled to a rear piece for transmission of telecommunications signals therebetween.
3. The telecommunications patch panel of claim 2, wherein the front piece of the at least one jack module includes a port for receiving a plug.
4. The telecommunications patch panel of claim 3, wherein the port includes an RJ45 jack.
5. The telecommunications patch panel of claim 2, wherein the rear piece of the at least one jack module includes at least one insulation displacement connector.
6. The telecommunications patch panel of claim 2, wherein the front piece of each jack module includes one port, and wherein the rear piece of each jack module includes a plurality of insulation displacement connectors.
7. The telecommunications patch panel of claim 1, wherein the axis of rotation generally extends upright between upper and lower portions of the frame.
8. The telecommunications patch panel of claim 1, further comprising at least one releaseable lock engageable with the at least one connector module, wherein the connector module is rotatable when the lock is in a released state, and wherein the connector module is immobilized when each lock is in an unreleased state.
9. The telecommunications patch panel of claim 8, wherein the lock is configured to selectively retain the connector modules to the frame in one of three selectable positions.
10. The telecommunications patch panel of claim 1, wherein each of the connector modules is rotatable from a first position where a front face of the connector module is generally parallel to the front side of the frame, to a second position in a first direction relative to the first position, or to a third position in a second direction relative to the first position, the second direction being different the first direction.
11. The telecommunications patch panel of claim 10, wherein the second direction is angled at about fifteen degrees from the first position.
12. The telecommunications patch panel of claim 1, further comprising brackets extending from the frame for mounting to a rack.
13. The telecommunications patch panel of claim 1, wherein a plurality of jack modules are mounted in the openings of the first and second linear arrays, each jack modules spaced from the other jack modules within each linear array.
14. A telecommunications patch panel comprising:
- a plurality of jack modules, each jack module including a front port configured to receive a plug and at least one rear insulation displacement connector electrically coupled to the front port, each jack module also including a resilient latch tab protruding from a first side of the jack module and at least one alignment protrusion extending from an opposite side of the jack module; and
- a plurality of connector modules, each connector module including a housing having a front face and an opposite facing rear face extending between a top member and a bottom member, the housing defining a first plurality of openings and a second plurality of openings extending from the front face to the rear face, each of the first and second plurality of openings configured to receive a jack module, the top member defining alignment slots configured to receive the alignment protrusions of jack modules received in the openings of the first plurality, the bottom member defining alignment slots configured to receive the alignment protrusions of jack modules received in the openings of the second plurality, each connector module housing defining an axis of rotation extending generally parallel to the front face of the connector module, the first and second plurality of openings extending generally perpendicular to the respective axes of rotation of the connector modules.
15. The telecommunications patch panel of claim 14, wherein the housing further includes at least one flange extending rearwardly from the front face of the housing, the at least one flange defining a latch slot for receiving a latch tab of one of the jack modules.
16. The telecommunications patch panel of claim 14, further comprising:
- a frame defining a linear array of openings, each of the plurality of connector modules being mounted to the frame in one of the openings of the linear array for rotatable movement about the respective rotation axes of the connector modules.
17. The telecommunications patch panel of claim 16, wherein each of the connector modules is positionable in at least one of the group consisting of: a first position in which the front face of the connector module is generally parallel to the front side of the frame, a first angled position in which the front face of the connector module is at a first angle relative to the front side of the frame, and a second angled position in which the front face of the connector module is at a second angle relative to the front side of the frame, the first angled position being in a first direction from the first position, the second angled position being in a second direction from the first position, the second direction being different from the first direction.
18. A method for assembling a telecommunications patch panel comprising:
- providing a frame including a plurality of rotatably mounted connector modules, each connector module including a front face extending from a top member to a bottom member, the front face defining a first linear array of openings and a second linear array of openings;
- mounting a first jack module to an opening in the first linear array of a selected one of the connector modules by inserting an alignment protrusion of the first jack module into an alignment slot defined by the top member of the selected one of the connector modules, and rotating the first jack module until at least one latch tab of the first jack module locks within a latch tab opening defined in a first flange extending rearwardly from the connector module intermediate the top member and the bottom member;
- mounting a second jack module to an opening in the second linear array of the selected connector module by inserting an alignment protrusion of the second jack module into an alignment slot defined by the bottom member of the selected one of the connector modules, and rotating the second jack module until at least one latch tab of the second jack module locks within a latch tab opening defined in a second flange extending rearwardly from the connector module intermediate the top member and the bottom member.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising:
- unlocking the selected connector module from a locked condition relative to the frame;
- rotating the selected connector module relative to the frame to a rotated position about an axis of rotation of the selected connector module; and
- relocking the selected connector module in the rotated position relative to the frame so that insertion axes of the first and second jack modules are locked at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the frame, and so that each of the first and second jack modules can be accessed by plugs.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein rotating the selected connector module includes rotating the selected connector module about fifteen degrees relative to the frame.
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Type: Grant
Filed: Oct 19, 2006
Date of Patent: Nov 25, 2008
Patent Publication Number: 20080096438
Assignee: ADC Telecommunication, Inc. (Eden Prairie, MN)
Inventors: Gordon P. Clark (Eden Prairie, MN), Loren J. Mattson (Richfield, MN)
Primary Examiner: Truc T Nguyen
Attorney: Merchant & Gould P.C.
Application Number: 11/583,995
International Classification: H01R 13/60 (20060101);